Jackson Township, OH — The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Sunday morning, September 28, 2025, on State Route 637 at County Road 138 in Jackson Township, Paulding County.
Troopers say the crash happened at approximately 11:41 a.m. when Grady K. Barton, 17, of Oakwood, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on SR 637 behind Marisela Soto Vazquez, 31, of Paulding, who was operating a 2016 Toyota RAV4. Vazquez had slowed to make a left turn onto County Road 138 when Barton failed to maintain an assured clear distance. In an attempt to avoid striking her vehicle, Barton swerved left, sideswiped Vazquez’s RAV4, and entered the southbound lane.
At that time, Lance M. Bolenbaugh, 48, of Bryan, was traveling southbound on a 2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide 103 and was struck head-on by Barton’s vehicle.
Mr. Bolenbaugh was pronounced deceased at the scene. Barton sustained minor injuries, while Vazquez was not injured.
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding EMS, Paulding Fire Department, Gideon’s Towing and Recovery, Hague’s Towing and Repair, and the Paulding County Coroner’s Office assisted at the scene.
Authorities remind motorists to avoid distracted driving and to maintain a safe distance to help prevent future tragedies.